By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes
From FamilyTravel.com
If you long for sunny skies, sandy beaches and new experiences in the months ahead, you’ll want to read on.
Here are five destinations that may tempt you to travel.
Riviera Pacifica, Panama
Visit this coastal, family-friendly resort to enjoy water fun that includes kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing and boating as well as other sporting experiences like tennis, volleyball, biking, jogging on the fitness trail, and horseback riding throughout the property’s nature trails. You’ll want to make time to visit the animal conservation center and tee it up on a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course. The 118-room Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort keeps guests cool with seven swimming pools and four plunge pools. With a nod to its eco-conscious guests, the resort has entered a carbon neutral flight partnership with Green Cloud and offers on-site electric car chargers for battery-powered vehicles. Further, the chef-driven restaurants focus on farm-fresh ingredients and serving only fresh-caught fish.For more: neutralflight.com, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort
Discover the Spice of the Caribbean
Are you island shopping and eager for a new experience? Consider the hidden gem known for aromatic spices and organic chocolate. The tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is located in the eastern Caribbean and lures family travelers eager to explore waterfalls, underwater shipwrecks and sculpture gardens, unspoiled beaches and chocolate factories. Visit a historic fort, sample spices and take a sailing lesson. Choose from all-inclusive resorts, private villas and apartments or boutique hideaways.For more: www.PureGrenada.com
Fish the Florida Keys
Chase big bonefish, tarpon and permit in the Florida Keys, one of the world’s top spots for saltwater fly-fishing. Practice your side casting and work on that double haul. Then prepare to be mesmerized by the reefs, flats and blue waters of these Southern waters. Islamorada, comprised of six islands and billed as the “sportfishing capital of the world,” is a popular spot for eager anglers. It’s said backcountry and saltwater fly-fishing were launched in this Florida community. Key Largo, the longest island in the archipelago, is said to host more than 600 species of fish.For more: www.fla-keys.com
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero, California
Just 50 miles south of San Francisco, enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as you and your family learn how mariners once navigated the central California coast with the help of the 116-foot lighthouse. Be on the lookout for whales, wade into tide pools and catch the star show overhead. An affordable seaside option, the unique hostel offers vacation-rental-style accommodations spread out over several buildings, and is ideal for groups of family and friends. Cook your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Free history talks are offered on weekends.For more: www.NorcalHostels.org
Learn to Dive in the Caymans, Cayman Brac
From this small, family-friendly Caribbean island, your clan can enjoy a dive vacation that includes exploring the 70 named dive sites in the waters around Cayman Brac as well as the Russian Frigate and the Bloody Bay Wall near Little Cayman Island.At Brac Reef, the on-site dive shop provides personalized attention to the soon-to-be certified as well as the seasoned diver.
The all-inclusive, beachfront resort also offers free bike rentals to explore the island, spa services and volleyball. While exploring, note that the lush green forests throughout Cayman Brac are home to endangered parrots, brown boobies and peregrine falcons. When planning your trip, ask about special packages for families.
For more: www.BracReef.com www.PADI.com.
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com
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